No one likes picking up calls from unknown numbers. The last thing you want is to get stuck in a conversation with a person you are trying to avoid. If you don’t like the mystery behind an unknown or private number, there are some steps you can take to find out the identity of the caller. These methods also work for robocalls, telemarketers, scammers, and other kinds of spam. With the right approach, you can block unnecessary calls to your number to a great degree. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into it.
Read Also: Asus ROG Phone 8 Series powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC launched at CES 2024
In This Article
Want to hide your phone number while calling someone?
Before we get to unmasking private callers, you may want to know how they are able to hide their number in the first place. Depending on your location, this can be done in several different ways. The most common method that people use is adding the *67 dial code before the number they wish to call. This method only works in the USA, Canada, and a few other countries. On an Android phone, you can hide your Caller ID by going to the default Phone app and selecting Settings>Supplementary services>Show your Caller ID>Never.
Some network providers issue special private numbers to their users at an extra cost. These numbers are hard to obtain (as requests are frequently denied) and even harder to unmask (since the network provider is encrypting your details). If you’re constantly being harassed by a caller using a private number, you can always report them to the police.
Use the *69 dialer code to find out which private number called you
In the USA, dialling *69 on your phone connects you to the last number that called you. This also works for private numbers. When you receive a call from a private number, make sure you dial *69 right away, before someone else calls you. Some network providers may charge you a small premium for the service, while others may limit its usage to just 30 minutes after a call is received. You can also use online lookup services like FreePeopleSearch to get more detailed information about the caller. Other countries have their own unique dialer codes to trigger the ‘last call return’ feature. Users in the UK can dial 1471, while users in the Philippines use *999. Some service providers in Canada and Australia use *69, just like the USA.
Use TrueCaller
If you’re from India, you must be aware of TrueCaller. This Caller ID app detects the number calling you and displays the name of the caller on the screen, even if the call is placed using a private number. Once you install TrueCaller, it will function as the default dialer app on your phone. All calls from scammers, robocallers, and telemarketers are marked as spam. The great thing is that you can also manually reverse-search a number on the app.
Turn on Caller ID and spam protection on the native dialer app
If you don’t want to use a third-party app like TrueCaller, you can check if your phone’s native dialer app offers Caller ID services. Turning on this feature will identify the name registered to the phone number and flag any spam calls.
Step 1: Launch the native Dialer app on your smartphone.
Step 2: Hit the ellipses at the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Tap on Settings.
Step 4: Turn on the toggle switch for Caller ID and spam protection.
Use TrapCall to unmask private calls
TrapCall is a great app to find out who called you from a private, blocked, restricted or unknown number. This app can reveal all *67 numbers with ease. It supports all the major network providers like AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular, MetroPCS, and Cricket. Not only does TrapCall let you know the name of the caller, but it also sends you the address information linked to the phone number. You can also deploy other handy services like call blocking, spam protection, and reverse looking. Subscribing to the premium plan also unlocks the app’s call-recording feature.
Request your network provider for detailed call logs
If everything else fails, you can try requesting your network provider for advanced call logs. You may need to dial the customer care helpline or visit a nearby service centre. Before you go through the call logs, check your phone for the date and time of the call received from the private number. Now, match this data with the entries on the log to find out the number that called you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I find out which private number called me?
To find out which private number called you, simply dial *69 on your phone after receiving the call. You can also use apps like TrueCaller TrapCall to find the identity of the caller before receiving the call.
How do I block all spam calls to my phone?
While there is no way to block all spam calls to your phone, apps like TrueCaller can instantly recognise a spam caller and flag them for you. You can choose to automatically hang up on them. Some native dialer apps may offer this feature as well.
How do I hide my phone number while calling someone?
Use your network provider’s supplementary services to hide your Caller ID before making a call. If you’re in the US, dial *67 before a number to mask your Caller ID.
Read Also: Top 7 Ways to Make Keyboard Bigger on iPhone (2024)
Conclusion
These are the top 5 ways to find out which private number called you. Saving the unknown number to your phone and looking it up on WhatsApp can also reveal information like the caller’s name. This depends on the privacy settings of the profile. If you’re lucky, you may be able to see their profile picture. If you know any other method to unmask a private caller, let us know in the comments!
){kind=link}